Steak will come out of the pan tastier and juicier if cooked with 1 simple ingredient

Steak is a dish with a thousand variations in preparation, each more delicious than the last. There are time-honoured techniques to maximise juicy texture, perfect exterior sears, or cut the perfect slice. While many steak aficionados have their favourite flavour profile and rules when cooking steak, there are many ingredients out there that can add an extra bit of pop to this popular dinner.

Taking to her food blog, Foxes Love Lemons, cooking expert Lori recommends whipping up a marinade for the steak that relies on the addition of balsamic vinegar. Raving about this marinade, Lori explained that she "grew up eating steak marinated in a bottle of Italian salad dressing" and that "it was so so good". Using the vinegar along with some other things she had around, Lori makes the marinade up in just 10 minutes.

For those unsure about adding vinegar to their steak marinade, Lori pointed out that the natural acidity of this ingredient helps "tenderise" the meat, meaning your cooked steak will be "super succulent and tender".

What's more, she said: "The flavour of the vinegar will also add complexity and a touch of sweetness, enhancing the flavour of the steak. Just a quarter cup of this pungent vinegar adds a ton of flavour."

Ingredients (serves six)

• Three garlic cloves
• Half a cup of olive oil
• One quarter cup of balsamic vinegar
• One quarter cup of soy sauce
• Two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
• Two tablespoons of light brown sugar
• One tablespoon of Dijon mustard
• Half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes

Method

Start by placing all ingredients in a medium bowl, whisking them until smooth. This should make about one to one and a half cups of marinade - enough for about one to one and a half pounds of meat.

Then place the steak in a shallow baking dish or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over the steak. Cover and refrigerate at least four hours, turning once if possible.

Lori said: "It's best to marinate steak for at least four hours so that the flavours can start to soak into the meat, and the acidity in the balsamic vinegar steak marinade can tenderise the steak."

For a stronger taste, you can also marinate overnight. However, try not to marinate longer than 24 hours if you can help it.

Never leave longer than overnight, as the acid in this balsamic steak marinade recipe will start to "cook" the beef, and the steak will be a little tough once you fry or grill it.